Classic Traditional Christmas Cake

There’s something quietly magical about a classic Christmas cake baking in the oven, the slow warmth, the comforting spices, and the memories that seem to rise with every breath of its aroma.

This classic Christmas cake is more than just a festive bake; it’s a tradition passed down through time, made with patience, love, and intention. In my kitchen, Christmas cake has never been rushed. It’s stirred slowly, tasted thoughtfully, and baked with care, because that’s how the best memories are made. Whether this is your very first Christmas cake or one you return to every year, this recipe invites you to slow down, trust the process, and create something truly special for the people you love. Every slice carries warmth, nostalgia, and the simple joy of homemade goodness, just the way Christmas should feel.

Prep:

Soak cake mix and currant in cold water. Keep rinsing until there is no sand in the bottom of the dish. Leave in a colander for 30-45 minutes.

Roughly chop pecans.

Halve the glazed cherries.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of self-rising flour
1/2 tsp. bicarbonate of soda
1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
1 tbsp. mixed spice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup softened butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbsp. molasses
3 tbsp. brandy
1/2 cup orange juice
200 g cake mix
200 g currants
1/2 cup glazed red and green cherries
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Method:

Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celsius.

Brush cake pans with butter.

From the colander to a pot, add the cake mix, brown sugar, red and green cherries, orange juice, and brandy. Combine well and add the butter and the peel. Cook for 25 to 35 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and the sugar to dissolve. Remove from heat and leave to cool completely. Add the molasses and eggs and mix well. Add salt, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon powder, and mixed spice and combine well.

Now add the chopped pecans and combine. Lastly, add the self-raising flour. Gradually mix and mix really well. Flour well combined. The batter must be slightly dense. Add batter to cake pans and place in the oven. Reduce heat to 130 Celsius.

Bake for 45 minutes and turn the heat up to 140 Celsius. Check in with a cake tester.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

Note:

If the batter is liquidy, add some self-rising flour. A little at a time.

Add some brown food coloring for that rich brown.

How to Wash the Fruit!

Start by measuring out your dried fruit and placing it into a large bowl. Pour enough warm water over the fruit to fully cover it, then gently move the fruit around with your hands. Lightly rub the pieces between your fingers to remove any dust, excess sugar, or residue that may have settled during storage. As you do this, you may notice the water turning slightly cloudy, this is completely normal.

Once washed, carefully remove the fruit into a colander placed in the sink. Allow the water to drain naturally for 30-45 minutes, then give the colander a gentle shake to remove any excess water. The fruit will be clean, refreshed, and free of excess water, perfectly prepared to absorb flavors and blend beautifully into your Classic Christmas Cake.

Slice-and-Serve Christmas Cake!

Once your Classic Christmas Cake has rested and fully settled, it’s time to enjoy the most rewarding moment: slicing, giving, and serving. Use a sharp knife and cut slowly, allowing each slice to reveal the rich, fruit-filled texture inside. The cake should be moist, deliciously spiced, and firm enough to hold together without crumbling. Serve it just as it is for a truly traditional experience, or pair it with a dollop of ice cream, custard, or a thin layer of marzipan and icing for extra indulgence. This is a cake meant to be savored, shared, and enjoyed over quiet conversations, festive laughter, and unhurried moments, because a classic Christmas cake is not rushed; it is appreciated one slice at a time.

Words of Inspiration!

Preparing a classic Christmas cake is a gentle journey, one that begins with simple, thoughtful steps and ends with something truly special. From carefully washing the fruit to patiently baking and finally slicing and serving, every stage adds depth, flavor, and meaning to the final cake. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a reminder to slow down, cook with intention, and create moments that linger long after the last slice is enjoyed. May this cake bring warmth to your kitchen, joy to your table, and cherished memories to your Christmas celebrations.